Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Well the beauties arrived. They are as pretty and shiny as expected. Three of the four buggers wouldn't fit. That's right. Insert swear words {here}. Now, if you know me, you know I am slightly handy. This is only due to genetics and really no talent of my own. If you know Osto, he is compromised in this area, chosing to hire out the work to provide jobs, and thus a living, to those who know how to do things such as installation work. This is economy stimulation you know!

WELL....after 20 cuss words, 20 pleas to the installation guys, 20 phone calls to various "handy" people (darn you), and 20 pep talks to each other, 2 of the 4 beauties are now installed and working. The stove needs a pipe moved (WAY over our heads) and Papa Bob may be able to handle that this weekend. WE (yeah, you read right), WE installed the microwave. And the dishwasher is a project for later. That involves tile removal. UGH!

We are close. I can use all but the dishwasher. I love them so far. Osto is awesome!

Re-Published on 2-1-11 with pics and our new wall in the LR. It is called "Tropical Nut".

Monday, January 17, 2011

Baby Girl had her first gymnastics meet on Sunday. She is competing at USAG level 5. Overall she finished with a score of 31.75, not bad for her very first go! We were so proud of her! Nannie and Papa rounded out the cheering section.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Osto and I bought new appliances yesterday. They are coming next Monday. Something about that makes me feel like a big girl. I rarely spend money on myself, let alone my house. (I know, it shows). But I'm trying to grow up. My house needs it. The microwave handle fell off. Again. The fridge makes a loud humming noise. Then the stove stopped working. Time for these 20 year old appliances to go bye bye. Some will appear on a Craigslist near you soon, if you are in need of a great garage fridge for your beer or sodas.

Now, you know when those pretty babies arrive, all shiny and sparkley, the rest of my kitchen is going to look even more tired and crappy in comparison. I really want to be brave and paint the grainy, golden oak cabinets a really dark almost black brown, but I am a total chicken. I've been talking about it for about 4 years. But its like some forbidden taboo to paint oak cabinets, isn't it? Plus, I'm cheap so I want great professional results that I'm not sure I can pull off myself, so I guess I will have to mull it over for a while longer. Or until Osto kicks me into gear. (I'm the thinker, he's the doer!)

And we are going to paint our accent wall a burnt orange color. For some pizzaz or pop or something. I'll let you know how it all turns out.

Sunday, January 09, 2011

Well 2011 sure got here in a hurry! I feel like I am a couple of weeks behind! 2010 was a great year and it ended with a bang at the Griffin's game on New Year's Eve. It was our first NYE ever with our kids, as they have always spent it with Nana and Papa. We had a great time and hope to plan more fun events in the years to come.

Family celebrates all the May/June birthdays at the West Michigan White Caps game! A new tradition?

T plays lacrosse

Tall Ships celebration in Bay City

Rau Cottage summer time fun!

Camp Osto becomes a 1.5 star resort with the addition of power!

Cal joins a new gym and begins her competitive gymnastics career

Rau Reunion on the River

Super awesome UP Trip!

Annual Camp Osto Labor Day festivities

Tyler shoots his first deer at Camp Osto on September 26

Duck hunting on the Bay

Chooch becomes a Cub Scout

Wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations with family (as always)

We talked about our goals for 2011 and Osto is going to run a triathalon, the kids want to go to Mighigan Adventure and / or Great Wolf. My goals are simpler...work harder, move more, eat better, sleep easier and of course, HAVE FUN! Should be a peace of cake right!? Happy 2011!